old town road [tom]

J O E

"Joe! Joe!" Thats Ma calling me from the other side of the house. Her voice is loud, right? Almost sounds like she has one of those megaphones connected to her lips! Don't tell her I said that though, don't wanna plant ideas into her head. She is loud enough as it is. She is known for being loud, Pa often comments that he can hear her all the way from the barn! If that's not a talent, I don't know what is. "JOE! If I have to holler at you one more time, I swear to Ripred-"

"I'm COMING MA!" My yell echoes down the hall, almost as loud as her, don't ya think? The sun has barely risen, its rays peaking over the horizon. It remind me of the way rabbits emerge from their holes, just peaking over the top, making sure its safe, before hopping out, ready to nibble on some fresh grass and to start their pretty uneventful day of grazing and watching their surroundings. Not much of a care in the world, if you ask me.

Much like most of the animals that live on the farm.

We better go see what she wants, before her rumbling voice shakes down the whole house!

Quickly I slip my slippers onto my feet before throwing open the door to my room and heading down the narrow path. "JOE- Oh, there you are! What took you so long?" she grumbles as she moves around the kitchen, her fingers were kneading some dough, the fresh smell of ground coffee beans filling the air. It's amazing right? Nothing better! Just take it in, a deep breath. Yes! Like that! Mmmm delicious! Coffee is hard to come by in the district, I guess we are lucky that my father knows someone who knows someone else managing to scavenge bits here and there that we have a low, but constant stream.

"I was sleeping, Ma. I've heard that it's important for young, growing boys, to get more than seven hours of sleep per night!" Let's see her try to argue with facts, ay? "You want me-"

"Don't be silly, Joe!" She scolds, looking up to meet my steady gaze. "Your father and I have never had that much sleep! And look at us? Hard work is what you need." She points to the buckets in the corner of the room, flours dancing through the slits of sunlights that begin to bathe the room in a warm light. Hard work? I work my ass off day and night for this household! Just one day I would like a break, ya know? To wake up to the warm feeling of morning light against my cheek- not her grinding voice booming around the house. Too much to ask for, I guess. Can you believe her?

Come on, let's go milk the cows.

Grabbing the bucket I shoot a pointed groan in my ma's direction. She response by clicking her tongue before getting back to work. The smell of freshly ground coffee follows me into the yard, tempting me to turn back and satisfy the craving that begun to gnaw at my empty stomach. Should I risk a tongue lashing for a cup of liquid joy? Looking back over my shoulder Ma's eyes burn into mine, challenging me. Nope, not today I don't think.

Entering the barn Boston moves to greet me. He is a big bull now, his horns butting my shoulder gently. He's beautiful, don't ya think? You wouldn't believe, but when I first got him he was a runt on the brink of death. Now he is a majestic beast! Look at the size of him! He is my pride and joy, my best friend-

Movement in the corner of my eye causes me to drag my gaze away Boston. Did you see that? Creeping around him I drop the bucket, my fingers closing around the long handle of a rake. "Is someone there?" I ask, my voice booming around the stone walls of the barn.